LALALAND – A teen was killed by a gun in a shooting Saturday afternoon inside a local mall, officials said.

The gun remains at large, but a police spokesman said investigators anticipated identifying it soon.

The gun is described as a silver-colored pistol that may have had a gang sign engraved on the grip. It was last seen fleeing the scene.

At least four other guns were detained and questioned about the shooting, but were subsequently released.

As police searched for the gun Saturday night, they allowed store employees and customers remaining in the mall to exit in small groups. After the search was completed, police said the gun may have taken a human hostage and forced him or her to help it escape.

Witnesses said they heard at least three shots fired around 3:45 p.m. near the mall’s food court. The gunfire sparked immediate panic, and people started running for the exits. Police and medics raced to the scene, lights flashing.

It was not clear exactly what prompted the shooting, but witnesses said the gun may have been involved in a verbal altercation with the victim prior to the gunfire.